Country singer Bailey Zimmerman issued a public apology this week after a canceled concert at Sandia Resort and Casino in New Mexico resulted in criminal charges and an arrest warrant. Zimmerman released the statement Wednesday through attorney Kitren Fischer of Fischer Dorsey Law, directed at the Pueblo of Sandia, casino staff, and fans who had bought tickets to the show.
"I want to address the events surrounding my canceled show in New Mexico in May and the reports that have followed," the statement read. "First things first, I want to apologize to the Pueblo of Sandia and to everyone at Sandia Resort and Casino. I never meant for any of this to come across as disrespectful. I am deeply sorry for my actions that transpired."
According to an arrest affidavit filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Zimmerman allegedly stumbled onto the stage before grabbing a guitar and striking it against the ground. The affidavit further alleges he threw a microphone off the stage and that, after band members tried to intervene, "Mr. Zimmerman yelled at them and walked off stage for the third time." He then allegedly returned to the stage, kicked drum cymbals, and shoved one of his guitarists.
After leaving the stage, Zimmerman allegedly picked up a bottle of water "and then spit toward a Sandia security officer standing nearby," according to the affidavit. Resort staff later determined that Zimmerman and members of his team needed to leave the property because of his behavior. The affidavit also alleges Zimmerman caused approximately $16,000 in damage to his hotel room and left unpaid charges for alcohol billed to the room.
He now faces one count of criminal damage more than $1,000, a felony, and one count of falsely obtaining services, a misdemeanor, according to court records.
In his statement, Zimmerman extended his apology to fans who showed up expecting a performance. "To my fans who bought tickets and showed up expecting a performance, I am so sorry, you deserved better from me," he said. "I understand that being a musician comes with big responsibilities, both on and off stage, and I know that I fell short that day. I am reflecting on the disappointment and concern that I caused."
Zimmerman also addressed his respect for the Native community that hosted the event. "I respect your community and the hospitality and appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to perform on Native Land. I take full accountability for everything that happened and I am sorry to anyone who feels hurt or disrespected," the statement said.
Zimmerman, originally from Illinois, first gained attention by posting original songs on social media. He broke through with the hit single "Fall in Love" and released his debut album, "Religiously. The Album," in 2023. He has since placed multiple songs at the top of country music charts.
The statement indicated Zimmerman is treating the legal matter seriously, though the full statement was not available in the published source material.
